
Qass. 
Booki 



. \ St.Patr ick's Eve. \ It Z'- 




DRAMATIC LIBRARY 

OF 

•Acting Plays 

Printed from the Acting Copy, with Re- 
marks on the Piece ; Description of Costume; 
Cast of Characters; Exits and Entrances; 
Relative Positions ; and correctly marked with 
the whole of the 

as performed in the 
jLondoH and *lmerican TJuatres* 

WITH 

gPIRITEB fINOR ATIIVOS. 

" PHILADELPHIA : 

FRED. TURNER, PUBIilSHBR ; 

Sold toy Turner and Fislier,' 

NEW YORK, «fc PHILADELPHIA. 




'. FISHER, No. 71 COURT STREET, BOSTON. 
G. HANZCHE, MARKET STREET, BALTIMORE 



/ 

gT urnev'g Bvamatfc Hffacavg. 

ST. PATRICK'S EVE: 



OR, 



THE ORDER OF THE DAY. 






fin STijree glcts. 



BY TYRONE POWER, ESQ. 

CORRECTLY PRINTED FROM THE MOST APPROVED 
ACTING COPY, 

WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUME, CAST OP THE CHARAC- 
TERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS, RELATIVE POSITIONS, AND 
THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS; 

To which are added, 
PROPERTIES AND DIRECTIONS, AS NOW PERFORMED IN THE 

PRINCIPAL THEATRES. 



EMBELLISHED WITH A FULL-LENGTH 

PORTRAIT OF TYRONE POWER AS MAJOR O'DOGHERTY. 



TURNER & FISHER, 11 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 
TURNER & FISHER. 52 CHATHAM STREET. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

OF 

TYRONE POWER, Esq. 



'* Sriii go Bra^igh." 



It is with more than ordinary pleasure we sketch the 
life of the above popular actor, who is in public and private 
equally estimable ; for such qualities combined, add a degree 
of respectability to a profession, too often maligned by its 
•enemies, and degraded by the members of it, from improvi- 
dence, and a proneness to associate with those who neither 
in station nor intellect are their equals, but who flatter their 
vanity for the sake of their company. If the followers of 
'Thespis would unite in their endeavours to raise their art in 
the pmbldc's eye, which is ever upon them, by a rectitude of 
conduct, and a studious avoidence of tlie many temptations 
to err incident to their calling, they would render it among 
the most honoured, as it is one of the most delightful of pro- 
fessions.-^Mr. Power was born in the county ot Waterford, 
Jreland, on November 2nd, 17&8. His first dramatic essay 
was at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, 1815, as Alonzo^ in 
^Sheridan's play of Pizarro. He was afterwards united to the 
ithird daughter of the late John Gilbert, Esq^ of that town, 
by whom he has seven children. From the Newport com- 
pany he went to Margate, and after figuring there in the 
ileading parts of tragedy and comedy for a season, joined the 
Publin corps, and opened in the opposite -cliaracters of Romeo 
«,nd Jeremy Diddler, under the stage management of Mr. 
W. Farren. His success was equal to his hopea, but the 
treasury of the Dublin theatre not being at this period in 



the most solvent condition, at the close of the season he 
withdrew his" services, and went to aid De Camp, the then 
lord and master of the Newcastle stage. In 1818 he re- 
tired from the scene until 1822, v/hen he appeared at the 
Olympic, of wliich theatre, we believe, he was the stage- 
manager. Mr. Arnold then secured his services for the 
English Opera-House, where he began to make Irish char- 
acter his study, which line has been a source of profit to 
himself and his employers, and of amusement to the public, 
he being the only competent representative of the various 
peculiarities of our brethren of the sister kingdom now on 
the stage. The Adelphi next became his scece of action, 
and his increasing fame led to his being engaged at the 
Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, where he made a most suc- 
cessful debut as Rolando in the " Honeymoon,'''' a character 
somewhat away from his present style, though we are in- 
clined to think, if he would present his claims to the town 
in hig!i comedy, he would be found to be the best represen- 
tative of that line of acting we have had since the days of 
Mr. EUiston and Mr Charles Kemble* His first original part 
in the major establishment was 0''Shocknessy, in Mr. 
Peake's highly popular farce of the " £lQd Noter This at 
once established him, and all fears for the fiiture were at an 
end. In 1833 he paid our American friends a visit, where 
he remained two years reaping a golden harvest — proving 
himself the most attractive star that had hitherto crossed 
the Atlantic. On his return to England, he performed at 
Covent Garden ; then went to Dublin, and gave morta 
offence " to the boys," by refusing respectfully, but firmly, 
in conformity with the rules of the theatre, the call of the 
gods for " The Groves of Blarney," it not being announced 



V. 



on the bills ; rightly feeling it would be a precedent for all 
kinds of infringement on the discipline requisite for the 
decorous conduct of the drama. However, an Irishman's 
rage is not of long duration, as was " proven " upon Mr. 
Power's recent visit to the aforesaid capital ; for he was 
most triumphantly welcomed, and at the end of the play, 
after alluding to the circumstance, neatly said — " The ex- 
pression of your anger at parting was most painful to me, 
but it must have been still more so, before it could have 
obliterated the recollection of the many kind greetings I 
have received from you." After a year in England, he, 
again progressed to America, and had the misfortune, in 
March, 1837, whilst riding by night through a broken road 
in the state of Virginia, to get a bad fall. The horse in en- 
deavoring to extricate himself, struck Mr.PowEii so violently 
as to break his collar-bone, and otherwise seriously injure 
him. In this state he was compelled to continue his ride 
twelve mile's, to Richmond, where he experienced great care 
and kindness. On his return last summer, he accepted an 
engagement at the Haymarket ; and the receipts were con- 
siderably more on his nights, unaided by novelty in the way 
of pieces, than they were to the performance of any other 
star during the season. Mr. Power next became a " Power 
of attraction,''^ to use Mr. Yates's play-bill phraseology, at 
the Adelphi ; in " Rory 0''More,''^ which was acted every 
night during the three months of his engagement. He re- 
turned to the Haymarket for a few nights after Christmas, 
and appeared to great advantage not only as an actor, but as 
a vocalist, in the new farce of " Confounded Foreigners" 
He is at present at Covent Garden ; and in the spring will 
join the Haymarket corps dramatique, until he leaves us, 



for, we hope a last trip, to America. During tlic firstthree 
or four years of Mr. Pqwer's London probation, be had to 
endure some annoyancii from the irregularities of a person 
bearing the same name, who was acting little parts atCovent 
Garden Theatre in 1819, and wliosc aftcrcourte appears to 
hav« been somewhat erratic. For this person Mr. Power 
was once or twice arrested, often threatened with exposure 
in letters from all parts of the kingdom, visited by three or 

Vy^ four deserted wives and helpless children, seeking after his 
Lothario of a namesake, &c. &c. &c. This nuisance has 
of late years somewhat abated, yet very recently he has been 
reminded of the career of the soi-disant Mr. Power. Inde- 
pendantly of acting, Mr- Power has attained considerable 
fame as an author ; has contributed to Blackwood and other 
magazines ; whilst his novels of " The Lost Heir," and " The 

s^/' King's Secret" and his " Impressions of America" may he 
classed among the standard works of the day ; and his 
comedies of"Ettiquette" and " illfifrrt^(Z^Zoi;ers," his histor- 
ical drama of '■^St. Patrick's Eve" and his farce of " Paddy 
Carey" have been deservedly successful, and have all the 
merit of being original at least, which in these days of trans- 
lation is a consideration. Mr. Power is about five feet eight 
inches in height, and exceedingly well formed, with a light 
complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. That he may live 
to enjoy a continuance of his present health and flow of 
spirits must be the earnest wisli of all those who desire the 
v/holesome amusement of the drama, B. W. 

London, ) 

February 19., 1838. \ 



COSTUME: 

FREDERICK THE SECOND— Blue military coat 
faced with red, white kerseymere waistcoat and small clothes, 
blue and white sash, military high boots, and three^ocked 
hat edged with feather trimming. 

GENERAL COUNT GOTHA— Blue military uniform. 

MAJOR O'DOGHERTY— Ibid. 

CAPTAIN GUSTAVUS SCHONFELDT— Ibid. 

CAPTAIN BRANDT— Ibid. 

SERJEANT KRAUT— Ibid. 

JODEN— Ibid. 

BLITZ — Military undress. 

DOCTOR MOUCHET— Court suit 

FRANCIS BARON TRENCK— First Dress : Austrian 
uniform. Second Dress : Prussian uniform. 

PIERRE — A light blue jacket, flowered silk waistcoat, 
black small clothes, and white stockings. 

CATHERINE— A court dress. 
MADAME SCHONFELDT— Ibid. 
MECHI — A Prussian peasant's dress. 
MRS. BLITZ— Ibid. 



Time of Representatioriytwo hours. 



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SAIi\T FATRICK'8 EVE. 



ACT I. 



SCENE I. — {Drums and trumpets ready, l.) A Salodii 
in the Chateau of Schonfeldt, v'ith balcony, over-looking the 
country — drums heat in the distance, heating the generale 
— trumpets sounding, calls for cavalry, Sfc. 

Catherine and Gustavus discovered looking over the bal- 
cony. They advance, 

Catherine. Yes, dear Gustavus, it is now too certain ; 
this day the king- will quit Schonfeldt. 

Gustavus. The first division of the royal guard is now 
under arms, and the king seldom remains far behind when 
the guards sleep in the field. 

Catherine. And to-morrow recommences the dreadful 
business of war. 

Gustavus. Nay, may be commenced already, since the 
light division under Prince Henry left their winter-quarters 
two days ago, and are now^ hutted in the field. Aye, and 
call this dreadful war by as many ugly names as you will, 
my own Catherine, there arc no hearts leap lighter or high- 
er at the trumpet that summons the soldier to the field than 
those of the gentle sex. 

Catherine. Do you forget that I witnessed your arrival 
on this frontier, after your disastrous retreat from Berlin ? 

Gustavus. You certainly, on that day, saw us at some 
disads'antage. Yet, worn as was the royal guard, it had 
that very morning repulsed a whole myriad of Trenck's 
rascal Pandours ; aye, and charged up to the very guns, 
behind which the waspish swarm found safety ! 

[ Trumpet soundSf l. distant. 
B 



12 ST. Patrick's eve 

Mechi runs in, l. 

Mechi. Oh, my dear Miss Catherine, and Captain Gus- 
tavus, I've come to say — Pray do go on to the balcony and 
look over, (crosses Catherine.) Here's such a heap of 
counts, and generals, and aides-de-camp, come back with 
the old king, and all the soldiers drawn out below. — Youi* 
mama and me in the hall, and Serjeant Kraut and the 
King, and everybody coming in directly. 

Catherine. Does my mama then require me to descend ?' 
or was it only to tell me this fine piece of news, that you 
left the sight ? 

Mechi. I declare Pm so deranged. Miss, that I have for- 
gotten who it was sent me here, or what I was to do. Let 

me O, aye, now I mind me. Major O'Dogherty 

whispered me to see if Captain Gustavus was here, and 
say he Avanted a word with him. (Trumpet sounds.) There 
they come ! Oh, Miss Catherine, Miss Catherine, you'lf 
lose all the show ! 

Gustavus, (cross-es Catherine.) Ha ! ha I ha T Here's a 
sample of the terror war creates in the breast of womaa i 
Descend, pretty Mechi, and say to the major, I am here at 
his service i with your leave, that is, Miss Catherine ? 

[ Trumpef again. Catiieri.ve hows, smilingly — Mechi 
runs off L. speaking as she goes.] 

Mechi. Yes, Captain Gustavus, ITl tell him. Run, Mi8» 
Catherine, run ! Oh, dear ! oli, dear !' [exit, h. 

Catherine^ You smile, Gustavus, at the thoughtless levity 
of that poor girl. Oh I ff she looked but through my eye» 
and saw in the doomed line, that being numbered, in whose 
life alone she lived, with what changed feelings would she 
regard its deceitful bravery ! 

Gustavus, Come, come, sweet wife of mine, a truce with 
your coward philosophy, for war is a glorious game after 
all; and if the penalties fell only on the players, one would 
scarcely count them over-great, the victor's reward being- 
still honour, and the cheering smile of beauty I For, say 
what you will, 'tis woman, gentle woman, after aM, who 
sends the soldier to the fight. 

Catherine. Woman ! O, scandal ! scandal J 

Major CDogherty, (tcithout.) Do you give yourself no> 
trouble ; I'll find the way, Vl\ engage. 

Gustavus. Nay, here comes our gallant major, we'll re- 
fer the point to his expericnci?. He shall decide for us. 



ST. Patrick's kvk. 13 

Enter Major O'DoeHKRTV, l. 

Major. Heaven save all here ! Miss Catherine, the most 
devoted of your devotees ! [crosses to her. 

Catherine. Major, we have a point of dispute to refer to 
you, in which my Vv^hole sex is interested ; and you will, I 
know, when I state the case, decide candidly whether wo- 
man be in fault or not. 

Major. Undoubtedly ! With the most perfect candour 
and impartiality, I decide then that she is not in fault. 

Gustavus. What, Major, decide in the ladies' favour be- 
fore you have heard me state the case? 

Major. Surely, my dear lad, therein lies the salvation of 
my gallantry ; for the love of beauty, don't state the case, 
or ten to one by my conscience will compel me to reverse 
my decree. 

Gustavus. At least pgrmit me to ask, are not the women 
the primary cause of all the wars and fighting which tafce 
place here below? 

Major. Indisputably, both here below and there above, 
assuredly, the honour of our warlike propensities is all their 
own. To the gentle sex v^e owe our earliest aspirations 
after blows; and from their practical lessons we derive the 
rudiments of the art manual ; for don^t we firstly fight 
with our mothers ? secondly, we fight with our sisters ; 
thirdly, we fight with our sweethearts, and lastly, we fight 
with one another, Ochi woman is the most belligerent of 
human animals; for, when single, don't they fight for us ? 
and when married, don't they fight with us? So they com- 
mence, and so they continue to the end of the chapter of 
mortality, 

Catherine. Heavens, major ! what can have induced such 
an uncharitable aspersion of my sex. 

Major. The very best authority, Miss Catherine; my 
own experience. Never was there created a quieter, a more 
peaceably-disposed, or meeker disposition boy, than your 
humble servant, till a pair of black eyes burnt a hole in 
my heart, p.nd set my blood in a blaze. The first quarrel 
I ever had in my life, was for a cousin of my own, one Miss 
Dalia O'Dogherty. 

Catherine. For which quarrel the lady was not to blame, 
I'll answer for her. 

Major. Answer for no woman's sins, my darling, for 
you'U have murders enough of your own to account for, 
ril engage. Is it Miss Dalia not to blame? Listen; I 



14 ST. rATllIClc's EVE. 

had appointed to meet Miss Dalia in a grore on the sum- 
mit of a hill called Knock Duoul, at seven o'clock on a 
summer evening ; well, not knowing how better to kill 
time, I strolled up there at six ; and just as I gained the 
top of the hill, on one ^ide, who the devil should I see 
sauntering up the other but Miss Dalia herself, leaning 
most lovingly upon the arm of Cornet Macintosh of the 
Iniskillins. Soho, cries I, blood and thunder anoons, you're 
there with yourself, are you, Miss D ? says I. 

Catherine. And wherefore such sudden passion? The 
meeting of this pair might not have been improper. 

Major. Oh! I dare say not. I'll say no word against 
their meeting that I did not see ; but, by my word, their 
parting bordered on the extreme of propriety, to say the 
least of it. 

Gustavus. Well, Major, go on; what followed? 

Major. Is it what followed? A couple of shots a piece, 
in less than an hour after, and with my second fire, I 
spoiled as pretty a shoulder knot as ever fell over a cross- 
belt, and qualified the Cornet's right arm for a sling, 
which relieved him of all regimental duty for the next six 
weeks. 

Catherine. And he was your fast friend, whom you thus 
cruelly wounded. 

Major, Not at that moment. Miss Catherine. But our 
little explanation restored him to my entire confidence. 
To make him amends for the shot, I gave up Miss Dalia, 
and every evening poor Mac drank to me with his left 
hand. He was a little awkward with it at first, but six 
weeks' practice made him as ready as a fugleman. He 
always vowed, after that, my shot had done him the great- 
est possible service, in making him ambidexter for the rest 
of his life. There, you see, was woman the cause of my 
first fight- Oh, I'll maintain it, that from the days of 
Helen down to these of Maria Theresa, there never was a 
fight, national or personal, in which there wasn't a woman 
at the top, the bottom, the middle, and both the sides. 

Catherine, I should have protested against your judg- 
ment, major, had I known you for such a confirmed wo- 
man hater. 

Major. A what ! a woman hater I Now is it I? — /that 
dote on the sex, individually and collectively, — / that, hav- 
ing been all my life a martyr to beauty, am here, as ready 
as I was at fifteen, to live and die for the sweet cause. But 



ST. Patrick's eve. 15 

talking of killing-, apropos des bottes, I have to congratn- 
late you, my friend, on the chance you have of striking the 
first blow of this campaign. 

Gustavus. Have you, then, orders for me, major ? 

Major. No, but 1 received an order from the king him- 
self to have a squadron of dras;oons of the guard mounted 
for a reconnoissance. Major, says I, you're in luck ; and 
in less than no time, I reported my men in saddle. Good, 
says old Fritz, where's Captain Gustavus ? Down fell my 
phiz, round went the old lad on his heel, to talk with Count 
Gotha, and off I posted to give you a hint of your luck, 
which, next to having myself, I am best pleased to see yours. 

Gustavus. This is indeed gallant news, major. 

Catherine, {crosses to him.) Gustavus ! 

Gustavus. Dearest, pardon this folly, but the anticipa- 
ted mark of Frederick's confidence transports me beyond 
bounds. 

Catherine. Whilst, to me, how terrible is this dangerous 
honour ! 

Enter Madame Schonfeldt, Mechi, and two servants, l. 

Madame S. Now, although you must bestir yourselves' 
pray let this be done without any visible bnstle, or over- 
haste, for his majesty will only depart the sooner if he sees 
any fuss of preparation. 

[Mechi and Servants cross behind, 2 e. r. 

Catherine, {advances to Madame S.) Oh, madame, pity 
me; the king is about to order Gustavus on instant despe- 
rate service ; and in one minute he may depart, never again 
to see Catherine, mother, or home ! 

Madame S. Nay, my daughter this is unchristian want 
of faith. Fear not for your husband; the soldier serving 
his country in the field, is shielded by the same Power that 
guards thy pillow, love. Gustavus will return to us. 

Catherine. But, mother, to be doomed to watch this cruel 
day decline, and night and darkness come, and yet no word 
of his resting place, or even of his safety ! 

Gustavus. Nay, that at least shall not be, my Cathe- 
rine, for on my arrival at quarters, wherever they may 
be, I will send assurance to you of my safety. If I have 
not time or opportunity myself to write to you, then you, 
Major, will promise to write a line for me. Will you not, 
Maj<«' ? 

Majsr, Miss Catherine, y©u may rely upon me. I used 
to be regimental secretary to the court of Cupid. When I 

B 



Ji8 ST. Patrick's eve. 

was junior, I was polite letter-writer for the whole corps, 
and will wager, even yet, to scribble a billet-doux with any 
field officer in the service. 

Catherine. I shall die if, after this, you fail to write. 
Promise again, that before midnight you will assure me of 
your safety. 

Gustavus. If I am alive, I swear by this kiss, that 6e- 
fore midnight you shall hear from me. (three ruffs of drums 
— generaVs salute, l. distant.) Hark I — So, dry your tears, 
for here cornes the king, [all go up except the Major. 

Major. Aye, here comes the king, sure enough, bright, 
keen, and crooked, like a Turkish sabre. I've not seen old 
Fritz so lively for many a day ; one may know 'tis the 
opening of a campaign, for he bristles up in his rusty boots, 
at the scent of gunpowder, like an old teirier at the sight 
of a rabbit hole. 

Enter Frederick, General Gotha, Dr. Mouchkt, Cap- 
tain Brandt, and Offi,c£rs flf the Staff, Aides, Sfc, l. 

Frederick. No, no, general ; no, not yet, not yet; you 
will still retain your command. The army cannot be en- 
trusted in hands more worthy. You have earned the con- 
fidence of my children and myself, and you possess it fully, 
count; fully, fully, (the ladies advance, r. Madame S.next 
to the King.) Fair ladies of the castle, like a true knight- 
errant, here I am to bid you farewell, before I set forth to 
fresh adventure ; and to thank you for your unwearied 
hospitality. 

[Mechi and Servants return, with wine and fruit on silver 
salvers — range across the stage, r. u. e. 

Madame S. We are more than repaid by your presence, 
sire. Your Majesty's stay has been too short for our de- 
fies. [Madame S. and Catherine go up. 

Frederick. Too long for mine, madame. Excuse contra- 
diction ; but three months' idleness is too much, out of one 
of the few short years I have left, and so much work on 
hand. Ha ! what say you, major ? 

Major. I say with yotu- Majesty, that I'm never more 
weary than when I've been a long time doing nothing. 
Captain Gustavus waits your orders, sire. 

Frederick. Waits ! Who ? who ? Ah, true, true, Gusta.- 
vus. (apart to Gotha.) Young Schonfeldt ; the young; cap- 
lain of my guard, whom I recommended for the service we 



ST. PATRICK'S EVE. ll 

spoke of, general. He is a son of my kind hostess, a native 
of this frontier, and will be a good guide for it. 

[The King and Major go up — the General jporsscs over 
to GusTAVUi?, and delivers a paper, Sfc. — as the King turns, 
Madame Schonfeldt and Catherine curtesy, pointing out 
refreshments. Frederick regards them though his eye- 
glass a moment, then exclaims — 

Frederick. Ah ha! an excellent disposition of yours, 
good madame. Come, gentlemen, {to Staff.) no pauses of 
ceremony, let's fall on like good soldiers. Ladies, I pledge 
you in champagne ; 'tis sparkling and bright, like woman's 
love, and effervesces as fast. [drinks. 

[The Officers also take glasses, and drink, bowing to ladies. 

General. You fully comprehend, Captain, I perceive, 
and are perfectly at liberty to depart. 

Gustavus. Not a moment shall be lost, my general ! 
{crosses l.) Mother, adieu I Cath — I dare not trust my- 
self. Say so, mother, 

[Catherine having observed Gustavus, runs across behind 
all to Jj. as he exits l. 

Catherine, {exclaims.) Gustavus ! Gustavus I 

Frederick. Hey, hey J what, what ! 

[The King turns sharply at the sound, whilst Madame 
Schonfeldt interposes between him and Catherine, ex- 
claiming, in like tone — 

Madame. Gustavus, my son, may Heaven preserve your 
life, long to serve your royal master and guardian ! 

Frederick. Amen ! amen to that prayer, Madame. My 
soldiers are my children ; and I grieve as a father for the 
loss of the meanest of my family. 

[Turns up to the balcony — Ulee and Chorus of soldiers 
below — "Forward, boys, forward !" &c. 

GLEE AND CHORUS. 

Forward, boys, forward! 

Where is the son 
Would seek to do less 

Than his father has done ? 

Sons of old Fritz, is there one 

Would hang back when his father cries — on ? 

His children are loyal and brave ; 

Fritz fathers nor coward nor slave. 



18 ST. Patrick's eve. 

The battle to shun, say, is there one ; 

Or whoM turn while the father cries — on, boys, on? 

No ! none, brothers, none ; 

Who fear not to die, 

Never know how to fly; 
But for ever cry — on, boys, on I 

CHORUS. 

March ! march ! march ! 
Forward, boys, on ! — cry, on ! still on ! 
On ! on ! on ! [Dies away. 

[Flourish and shouts, at end of chorus. During the mu- 
sic, the King listens with perfect attention, moving his glass 
in time, and tapping with his foot, taking snuff, Sfc. SfC, till 
with much excitement he pulls of his hat, and leaving it, 
joins in the chorus, enthusiastically repeating, as he ad- 
vances to the front. 

Frederick. On, boys, on ; always on, on ! That is the 
word. It should comprise the whole duty of a soldier. But 
now, gentlemen, prepare to mount. Eh hien, mon cher 
maitre en philosophic tenez! Have you directed Brunei 
and his staff to prepare petit souper, in that same lodge 
you fell so desperately entete with him? 

Doctor. All is in due course of preparation, sire. 

General. Surely your majesty does not seriously intend 
to quarter in that lonely cottage ! 

Frederick. Most seriously, because of its loneliness. We 
love quiet, nous autres. Eh, Docteur ? 

Doctor. A mind like yours, sire, would people the most 
lonely desert. 

General. The cottage in question is situated at the very 
extremity of our line, sire. 

Frederick. I know it. 

General. Shadowed by the forest. 

Frederick. Yes, shadowed and sheltered; the north wind 
is yet bleak, and we grow old and chilly, ha ! 

General. Has your majesty no apprehension, in the 
event of an attempt at a night surprise ? 

Frederick. I can have no apprehensions of a surprise, 
whilst you command, count [Bowing graciously. 

General, {hows low,) You will at least, sire, permit me 
to place a strong guard about the house in question ? 



ST. Patrick's kve. 19 

Frederick. What I to proclaim my snug retreat? No, 
no, my quarter must not be named or known, nor do I re- 
ceive any visitors, yourself always excepted, count ! In 
order, however, not to interfere with your active duties, 
the word? for the day I will myself bring to you, or I'll 
send them by the doctor, whom I here appoint aide-de- 
camp. Ha, ha I 

Doctor. I shall be much honoured, sire, in the office. 

Frederick. I must make you a soldier, 7non che.r maitre ; 
the only return I can proffer for your lessons in philosophy. 

Doctor. That I came to teach, is true, sire ; but I re- 
main to be instructed. In philosophy, as in poetry and 
war, your majesty will endure no rival. 

[Bows ohsequiously. 

Frederick. That's very well said ; very well, for a 
doctor ! But go, Mouchet, and see that all is arranged at 
the lodge. Tell my cook that we'll sup at twelve o'clock. 

[aside, 
[exit Mouchet, l. 
[As the King turns to address the staff, the Officers ad- 
vance, L. c, the general in front of group. 

Frederick. Now gentlemen, good morning. I am well 
satisfied with the state of your different corps, and trust 
our doings will be answerable to our appearance. But I 
find some laxity of discipline has crept over you since gout 
has been more frequent with me. I have therefore resolved 
to restore our ancient rigour, which defied reverse, and of- 
ten turned defeat to victory. And be assured that the 
first order of the day, which I discover to have been bro- 
ken, in letter or spirit, where the culprit my brother — my 
oion brother — he shall pay the extreme penalty. Make 
known this resolve to my children, gentlemen, and bid 
them be prudent, as they value their father's anger, (beck- 
ons Catherine on his r. — takes her hand.) Mademoiselle 
Catherine, adieu. You look, I think, but dully at this hour 
of parting ; thirty years ago I might have read those 
dimmed eyes in my own favour, but that's all over with me 
now. I can only promise, that any name you may choose 
to whisper in my ear shall find favour, even for your sake. 
[pinches her ear, with great kindness if manner. 

[ready lights. 

Catherine. Ah, sire, your favours are too hazardous to be 
desired for any one we would wish ever to see again. 

Frederick. Huml Not the less acceptable sometimes 



20 ST. Patrick's eve. 

because perilous. A wife, now would have caught eagerly 
at my offer. 

Catherine. Do you think so, sire ? {sighs). 

Frederick. 'Tis plain that you do not. Well, you have 
yet time enough for experience. (Catherine retires.) Ha, 
ha I (Frederick advances a little towards Madame S.) 
Madame Schonfeldt, adieu; thanks, thanks, and adieu! 
^^/ons, gentlemen ! [Going. — Major crosses to follow the 
King — Catherine catches his arm. 

Catherine, (impressively.) Do not — Ohi do not forget 
me ! 

[Frederick turns round sharply, eyeing them close. 

Frederick. Forget me! What? Who? Eh? Major — 
Forget what ? what ? 

Major. Nothing at all sire; nothing. 

Frederick. That much you will remember, I'll answer. 
But what, I say, are you not to forget ? 

Major. I'm not to forget to remember that — (looking at 
Catherine, and placing his hand on his heart.) Honour, 
sire, honour. 

Frederick. Oh ho ! I see how the wind sets. Honour, 
eh honour ! (imitating.) Honour ] Be at rest,pretty one ; 
ni answer for the major's never forgetting that. Ha, ha, 
ha ! On, boys, on ! Who'd turn when oldFritz cries — on ! 

Officers. Long live the king. [Flourish drums and 
trumpets — the King and all the Officers exeunt, l. — ladies 
go up to window. 

SCENE U.— Almost night— a Wood. 

Enter Trenck, l. disguised as a Courier, followed by 
Pierre in livery. 

Trenck. And on that lodge he has positively fixed ? 

Pierre. Oui, dat is Monsieur le Docteur have fix for him, 
which is ze meme chose, — all you want, eh ? 

Trenck. Not quite all, ami Pierre ; but does your master 
now return before the king ? and through this wood ? 

Pierre. Dis I can no say — par hasard, oui. If he come 
alone, he come by dis route ; if not, he will see you to-night 
sometime, after ze old wolf go fast to sleep. Voyez. 

Trenck. If I had but half a dozen of my fellows here 
now, with fresh horses, we might at once do the work 
openly by a coup-dc-main. We are a quarter of a mile 



ST. Patrick's eve. 21 

fifom the extreme piquet on the left, with this thick wood 
lying between, and in front. I've marked every sentry 
within the circle of a league. 

Pierre. Parle has 1 J^entends quelque chose, someting 
is coming by-and-bye I (looks out) &est lui-meme. Trenck 
retires a little, l.) 'tis ze docteur ! 

Enter Dr. Mouchet, r. 

Pierre. Bon soir, mon maitie. You are come well, Mon- 
sieur est la. [Pierre points over his shoulder, l. 

Doctor. Good ; I am all alone ; all's safe ! The Baron 
may advance. 

Trenck. Then I may cry serviteur. Monsieur le Docture. 

Doctor. Pierre, allez chcz nous ; tell Brunet the king 
sups at twelve o'clock. 

Pierre, {crosses, l.) Pas avent ? peste .' I shall be kill 
wis som« hunger before twelve o'clock ; diable m'emporte. 

[exit, L. 

Doctor. All goes on well, baron; the old dotard, wrapt 
in his new theory on universal government, leaves General 
Gotha in command of the army, and takes up his own 
quarters in the very lodge we reconnoitered. He keeps 
about his person only his valet, his dogs, Brunet, his cook, 
Pierre, and your humble servant. Lo ! I have shorn this 
Samson now, be it yours to bind him. 

Trenck. He is ours ! Within less than a mile of the 
river, in the vaults of the old castle of Hernstein, lie some 
score devils of mine, who, once in saddle, wink at neither 
fire, steel, hemp, or water — but how safely to approach the 
Prussian lines ? 

Doctor. Tenez ! Have you procured, as I requested, the 
uniforins and horse furniture of the Royal Dragoons of 
Frederick's own guard ? 

Trenck. Complete, from head to spur rowel, all is pre- 
pared. 

Doctor. To-morrow, then make grande toilette. Get 
your savages shaved and washed, and made as Christian 
like as possible. Immediately after the rounds pass at 
eight o'clock, boldly approach the line of sentries nearest 
this point ; 1 am turned militaire, you must know, and have 
the honour to be aide-de-camp to the king ; I am to bear 
the pass-word for the night, to General Gotha ; this pass- 
word I will write on a scrap of paper — at the moment 



22 ST. Patrick's eve. 

when I depart for Count Gotha's quarter, Pierre shall 
cross the river, and deposit this paper without the line of 
sentries, at the old place, where you will find it. When 
you have once gained the shelter of this wood, leave your 
horses here, and with a dozen or so of your barbarians, ap- 
proach the king's lodge. Pierre will be ready in waiting 
to conduct you to the king, who will be occupied with me, 
alone, and in our hands. Is all clear to you ? 

Trench . As mid-day. Your hand, doctor. Till to- 
morrow night, adieu. We play for a high stake, win or 
lose — a king for a ransom on the winning side ; rope, bullet, 
or bayonet, it the dice turn against us : au revoir. 

[exit Doctor, l. — exit Trexck, u. 

SCENE III. — An extensive plain — Twilight I — trumpet 
call, " Stable up" — drams heat tattoo — the. Royal Grena- 
diers en bivouac guns lumbered up— forage-carts, Sfc. 

— tents and huts of the soldiers, watch-fires, S^c. 

CHORUS. 

Staff Serjeant, with Older of the Day, and Joden. 

Serjeant. 

Stir, Boys, stir ! Pot off — fire out ! 
That's the Order of the Day ! 

Joden. 

But why this hurry — why this rout? 
We're willing to obey. 

The Staff Serjent vnth " Order''"' in his hand 

Attention ! Attention ! Attention ! 
List! the "Order" which we mention; 
Attention, soldiers, pray ; 

'Tis the King's command, 

Signed by his hand, 
" The Order of the Day !" 
CHORUS. 
Attention I Attention ! Attention ! and obey I 

BASS SOLO. [Joden reads. 

When the sun sinks past yon tree. 
All at rest must quiet be ; 
Not a note must come from trump or drum. 
Or a sound, save the beetle's drowsy hum. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 93 

TENOR SOLO. 

No fire, or light, must be seen to-nig-ht. 
Save the stars above, that shine ever bright ! 
They take their own way, and will not obey, 

The King's command, 

Though signed by his hand, 
Or, the " Order of the Day !" [Chorus. 

Mrs. Blitz, Mr. Blitz, Soldiers, and Women, discovered 
JoDEN and Serjeant advance. 

Blitz. Thunder and lightning, serjeant-major, but this 
is sharp practice for a beginning. No fire after sunset, in 
March, and we just out of our warm straw and snug shel- 
ter! 

Serjeant, See what it is, now, to give you old rogues a 
taste of luxury and ease. A profusion of pea-straw, and a 
warm barn floor, for two months, has been the ruin of you 
all. This is gratitude for the care the king has had of your 
carnal comforts. 

Joden. Ha, ha, ha ! Fritz gets old and timorous ; he can't 
forget the loss of Berlin yet, eh ? 

Serjeant. No ; but the sooner you forget it the better. 
A defeat is not the thought to have uppermost at the open- 
ing a campaign, old Joden. 

Joden. Thunder ! You forget, comrade, for one defeat, 
how many victoreis I can call to mind : — Glogau, Mblwitz, 
Dettingen, Friedberg, Rosbach, Hertzberg ! besides sieges 
tind skirmishes out of number. 

Blitz. Well said old Joden, but mum! here come the 
I'ounds. 

Enter Captain Brandt and Four Dragoons,'' 2 e. r. 

Captain. Fires all getting out ; serjeant-major, be quick; 

Serjeant. Yes, sir. Come, stir there, stir ! Out fires . 
quick ! quick ! 

Joden, {salutes Captain.) Not so much as a lighted pipe 
allowed to-night, eh, captain ? 

Captain. Not unless you'll run the risk of being shot 
for it to-morrow, old comrade, eh ? 

Joden. Ha, ha ! Why I have risked a shot or two before 
now, for less than a whifF of K'naster. 

Captain. But not in defiance of" The Order of the Day,''' 
I fancy. Eh, old grumbler ? 

C 



24 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Joden. Oh no ; but storm, wind and hail, captain ; this 
is a teazer. Is it one of Fritz's own orders, or is it the 
general's ? 

Captain. The king's own order. " Whosoever is found 
with light or fire, an hour after sunset, shall, on conviction, 
be shot at the expiration of twenty-four hours, without 
hope of pardon." The king is serious, as you may guess 
by the preamble. I'll have it read to you. 

Joden. Oh, no ! Thanks, captain , that's enough, 
[Captain Brandt and Dragoons cross, and exit, L. 

Joden. No mercy, eh ? I know when old Pache is hi 
earnest. Come, boys, let's drain out our rations, and ken- 
nel up for the night. Old Fritz will be amongst us by-and- 
bye, perhaps ; and if he is, I'll talk the matter quietly 
over with him : till then, we've only to obey. Harkye, 
younker, (taking a canteen fro?n a recruit,) mine's out ; — 
all the same, amongst comrades : " The king !" (drinks.} 

All. "The king r* huzza! (Drum and trumpet.) 

CHORUS. 

SOLO.— JODEN. 

Clink, clink the glass ! 

One clink, and good night. 
Bran"t wine sure will pass. 

Be it dark, boys, or light. 
CHORUS.— (waltz.) 
A dance warms well as a fire ; 
And for music what would one desire, 
But the clink of the can while we drinl'-. 
The clink, clink, clink, while we drink ! 

DUET AND TENOR SOLO. WOMAN AND JODEN. 

Good night ! good night ! 

And may morning bring 
Health to our father ! 
Our good old fatlier I 
Our brave old father ! 
Our father, and king ! 
Clink, clink, clink ! dance, dance, and sing ! 
A health to our father ! — our father and kingi 
Clink, clink, clink, &c. &c. 
[In the course of the music, the soldiers and women dance; 
and, as it finishes, all waltz off progressively, at various^ 
entrances, r. and l-, leaving only the sentinels parading. 

END OF ACT I. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 25 

ACT II. 

SCENE I. — Interior of wretched Cottage — saddle, cor- 
bine, SfC, hung up — stool before door — l. a truckle-led, hoot- 
jack, and slippers — in centre a table, with candle, dark 
lantern, matches, pistol tinder-box — chair on r. of table, stool 
on L. — quite dark. 

Major O'Dogherty discovered seated, with pipe. 

Major. Hah, Saint Patrick ! but on the eve of your own 
day, this is cold comfort for a countryman, — an empty 
canteen, a full pipe, and no fire ! I've tried to flatter myself 
into a belief that I'm smoking in the dark, but find I'm not 
so easy to be humbugged as I had hoped, though it is 
dark. If Captain Gustavus's party was but reported re- 
turned, I'd get between the blankets, and warm myself 
with the thought of my snug quarter at Madame Schon- 
feldt's. Poor Miss Catherine ! I was nigh heartbroken to 
look at her when I came off. Don't forget, says she. 
Honer, says I. What's that ? cried old Fritz. Ha, ha, 
ha! I put his nose on a wrong sent for once, cunning 
and curious as he is. I'm cold ; never mind, a few nights' 
practice will make all things wretchedness come quite nat- 
ural again, It's nothing when one's used to it. {Sings.) 
Tobacco is an India weed, 
Springs up in the morning, cut down at eve. 
Man's life is such. 
Sentry, {without.) Who comes ? 
Major, {continues.) It fades with a touch ! 
Gustavus, {without.) A friend ! [enters at d. f. 

Major. Think of this whilst you're smoking o' baccy ! 
Gustavus. Is the major at home? [Looking in at v> in f. 
Major. At home. 

Gustavus. Is the major at home, I say ? 
Major. Not quite, just yet ; it will be a long time before 
I'm at home in this pig's palace. Gustavus, my boy, is 
that yourself? Give us a feel of your fist. Don't tread on 
the cat ; she's the only christian companion I've got in 
this doghole ! What ! your left paw! How's this, hurt ? 
DiaUe 1 Not badly, I hope. Was it a shot, or slice ? or 

may be a poke from the pike of some d d Pandour ! 

Why, what the devil's come to you ? Can't you see to 
speak in the dark ? 



26 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Gustavus. Zounds, major, give time for breath. I have 
had a rencontre with rascally irregulars, backed by a 
troop of Daun's cuirassiers, and 

Major. And soundly you peppered both the irregulars and 
regulars, I'll be bail ? Oh, the boys were in fine fighting 
order, horse and men. 

Gustavus. Do attend, major. You must know, I pushed 
part of my detachment across the river, to pursue the ene- 
my in flank. Now what I fear is, that, from the line of 
their route, they will return by the chateau Schonfeldt, 
and possibly halt there. 

Major. They are fools if they don't halt there. 

Gustavus. I am lost if they do ! since they will report 
me killed to a certainty, my horse being shot, and I down 
in our first burst. 

Major. Pooh ! what signifies their saying you're dead 
to-night, when you can contradict the report, viva voce, in 
the morning ? 

Gustavus. We must not leave it uncontradicted so long, 
Major ; you remember my pledge to poor Catherine. 

Major. What the letter ? Whew ! 

Gustavus. Under any circumstances, I'd keep faith with 
her. But at present, I'd not risk leaving her to the torture 
of such a report for worlds ! I must keep my word — coute 
qui coute — she must hear from me within an hour. 

Major. You ought to have thought of this promise of 
yours before coming into the camp at all. 

Gustavus. I know I ought : but it was only when I ar- 
rived at the general's that, finding my report received in 
darkness, I learnt the present order of the day ; the devil 
take it ! I say. 

Major. Amen, say I! if saying so be not treason. What 
will that do ? You can't write left-handed, you know. 

Gustavus. Meantime, you must be my amanuensis ; come 
Major. 

Major. Is it to write? You might as well ask me to 
light you a pipe. I'd as easily crawl through a touch-hole 
of a carbine as scribble a billet-doux in the dark. 

Gustavus. Pho ! pho ! my dear Major. Love is alwayi 
blind, you know. 

Major. Maybe he is, but I never heard that his clerk was. 
Besides, consider my regard for orthography, I'm no walk- 
ing dictionary by day, and in the dark I'd not be able to 
spell peas in the dark. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 27 

Gustavus. Well, well, we'll have a light then Major. 

Major. O, to be sure, an illumination; but first, may be 
you'd read the " Order of the Day." 

Gustavus. In the dark, how the devil can I read ? Come 
come, dear Major, tOT^j^.'mc no longer; you are pledged 
to aid me, yo\^|i:aw. ^l/Q^jisider, the health, nay the very 
life, of that -^^w^'^irl, depends on one line from your hand. 
Can you refui^ Major ? 

Major DidilH I decide woman was at the bottom of all 
mischief; I wash my hands of it. I'd not take part in creat- 
iiigthe blaze of a rush-light, not for a regiment of the guards. 

Gustavus, (feels the pipe.) Why, you've broken the let- 
ter of the order already ; you've been smoking evidently 
that I can see. ,. 

Major. Can you? Then you can see smoke without fire, 

and that's what they never see in Kilkenny with it, for — 

It's there you'd see fire without smoking. 

For a penny you'd buy fifty eggs, &c. &.c. 

No, I rejected t^pptation, though cool as an iced-melon, 

and having all th© materiel left ready under my very nose. 

Gustavus. I don't see it. 

Major. How should you? — but you may feel it. Isn't 
that the pistol tinder-box — my own invention ? 

Gusta^eis. Well ? 

Major. Isn't that a m atch ? 

Gustavus. Well ? 

Major. And isn't that a lamp ? , 

Gustavus. And you persist that your stupid invention will 
ignite tinder ! 

Major. Of course it will, like lightning. 

Gustavus. I never saw it succeed once in twenty times 
Ha, ha, ha I 

Major. I'll hold you a rouleau it doesn't fail once in twenty 
times. The devil you didn't. 

Gustavus. Done, for a rouleau. 

Major. Done (mils the ti iggerand obtains a light.) There's 
once! 

Gustavus^ {lighting the candle.) That's enough. I lose, 
Major. 

Major. The devil ! what are we at ? The sentry will see 
our light through the cracks in the door. 

Gustavus. Under my hat, impossible ; you've won Major. 

Major. Damn the wager; out with the light, I say ! 

Gustavus. Quick, Major, or by heavens I'll set the thatch 
in a blaze. 



28 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. Do, and I'll run away in the smoke. Zounds, you're 
mad. Och, devil take your wager; I'm ruined! Here, 
here's my dark lantern. I'll li^ht that, and shut it close : 
no one can see it, not even ourselves. 

Gustavus. May I trust you ? honour Major, honour ! 

Major. Oh, honour ! put out tliat candle. 

[ They put out the candle, and light the lantern. 

Gustavus. Thanks, dear O'Dogherty ; for myself I would 
not ask this you know, Major, but poor little Catherine, you 
know. Major. 

Major. Och, blarney; you know. Major I'll be shot, you 
know. Major ; here's the materiel ; now, to be quick ; let 
the light come oblique ; that's bushels ; now fire ; pooh that 
is indite. My dearest, dear, darling, the old beginning I 
suppose. 

Gustavus. Pooh, nonsense ! 

Major. You may say that; d d nonsense! B« quick. 

Gustavus. Now, you will not be surprised, love, {dictating) 

Major. I'll be surprised at nothing, after my breaking an 
order of the day. Well, surprised. 

Gustavus. At my brevity, when hereafter I inform you 
what a penalty I incur in writing it. 

Major. That's true ; more fool I, says you, in writing it ; 
well go on. 

Gustavus. But with you I will keep faith, although, to do 
so, I break the order of our father and king. 

Major. Father and king^- 

Sentry, (without.) Who comes ! 

[TTie soldiers, lohowsre arranged behind the scene on l. 
now march across, not in sight, but the sound of their feet 
is heard distinctly. 

Major, (puts his hat over the lantern, keeping it in 
front.) Hark ! Go to the door, GustaA-us, and see if its the 
rounds passing. May be it's Fritz himself taking a stroll 
in the dark ; come, be quick, my fingers are so frozen, that 
curse me if I can tell whether I've hold of a pen or a pitch- 
fork. 

[During the speech, Gustavus goes to the door, pulls it 
open and beholds the King in the door icay — Gustavus starts 
and retreats into the side-door in the entrance, r. — the King 
turning, looks in at the threshold, and challenges aloud with — 

Frederick. Who goes there ? eh ? 

Major. Ha, ha! 'Pon my word, that's very like, a good 
imitation ha, ha ! but come shut the door and be damned to 



ST. Patrick's eve. 29 

jou, or thii^amp will burn a hole in my liat. Faugh, I'll 
stink of oil Jike a Russian Grenadier for the next ten days. 
Come, sit down till I finish. [ Uncovers the lantern. 

[Frederick beckons on Jodex and another soldier, and 
having closed the door, comes forward, feeling his way loith 
his cane. 

Major. Why, what ails you ? you keep sliddering about 
like a cow in a pair of skates — Ha, ha, ha ! I'm thinking 
if that had been old Fritz, and he'd taken it in his head to 
come in ! I remember the very night after the battle of 
Rosbach, I walked into my hut wet and weary, and there I 
found the old king rolled up in my best blanket fast asleep, 
with the only dry shirt I had in the world tv/isted round his 
head by way of a night-cap. Ha, ha, ha ! that royal visit 
was a majority in my way ; but for all that, by my soul, 
were he to walk in now, my majority and life would not be 
worth a purchase of — how many hours do you say ? 
Frederick, (on the chair u. of table.) Just twenty -four ! 
Major, {starting, and cautionsly turning the light on the 
King's face.) Eh ! W— what !— The king ! Fuit, O'Dog- 
herty, there will be a speedy death-vacancy in the list of field- 
officers ! Sire, I know my offence, and am prepared to pay 
the penalty. [Rises respectfully. 

Frederick. Grenadiers, advance. Major, you are under 
arrest. Give up your sword. 
Major. Sire ! my swoi d to — 

Frederick. To me, to me ! It will suffer no shame in my 
hands. 

Major. Your majesty does me too much honour. May it 
find a hand in which it may do you better service than it 
ever did in mine. 

Frederick. Umph I that might be difficult. But, bah ! 
whdt signifies the hand being heavy when the head is so 
light ? What trash is here ? {taking the paper off the table.) 
Let me see. Grenadier hold up the light. 
Joden. No ! 

Frederick. No ? wherefore no ? 
Joden. Against the order of the day ! 
Frederick. True, by Jove ! the guard will be on us all ; 
blow it out. {Joden blows oat the light.) So, now we obey 
the " Order ot the day." Is not that old Joden ? 
Joden. Yes, father, it is. 

Frederick. I thought so — goodi I should have known evil 
example would fail to reach a grenadier of thirty years a 



30 ST. Patrick's eve. 

true son of old Frederick's. Major, I must malie you an ex- 
ample for my whole guard. [Impressively. 

Major. It will not be the first time you have done me 
that honour, sire. 

Frederick. Ham I true, true ; I grieve tliat it will be the 
last. You must die, Major, 

Major. I ever held my life for your majesty's service. 

Frederick. I could have wished to liave disposed of it at 
a later period, and on a fitter occasion Who was with you 
when I entered ? Youhadacompanion,who was he? Eh? 

Major. A gentlemen for whom I entertain too high a re- 
spect to trouble with much of my company — myself, sire. 

Frederick. Do yon \i?,\xd\\v converse so loudly with your- 
self? 

Major. For want of better company, sire. 

Frederick. Hum ! You'll not tell me who your compan- 
ion was, then ? (Major Lows.) I'm glad of it. (aside.) And 
this precious scrawl was, 1 suppose, for — 

Major. Honour, sire, honour ! 

Frederick. I'm silent. Hum! S'/je so gentle, in lore with 
you ; I should not have thought it possible. 

Major. There's no accounting for taste in such matters, 
sire. 

Enter Captain Brandt at door in f. and co?nes down, r. 

Frederick. Well ; what now ? who's there ? Speak ; w^ho 
comes ? 

Captain B. The valet of the French savant seeks for you, 
sire. 

Frederick Hah ! from Mouchct. I'll come to him. Cap- 
tain Brandt, call a court martial of my guard at head-quar- 
tcrs in tiie morning; let the proofs against the criminal be 
duly entered and examined ; he will die one hour after sun- 
set. Good night. [going. 

[GusTAvus comes from the side door., &. greatly agitated^ 
kneels to the King, l. 

Gustavus. Oh, sire! 

Frederick. Who's here ? Hah ! Gustavus Schonfeldt — 
eh ? a brave lad, v/orthy your father. I've heard all ; ancf 
so you're wounded — eh ? 

Gustavus. Sire, I come, on my knees, to— 

[ The King turns away from Gustavus — Major whispers. 

Major. Consider Catherine, your mother. 

Gustavus. Catherine ; my Mother, my poor mother .' 



ST. Patrick's eve. 31 

Frederick, {catching at the word, and drajving out his 
pocket-book.) Aye; true, your mother; I had forgot her. 
We'Jl send you to her to assure her of your safety ; you have 
leave for four days, and may pass the Hnes to-night ; here, 
here's the word. [Gives a paper which he has written on. 

Gustavus. This night, may I ? — Oh, sire, this is a gift. 
Yet, my friend, I cannot leave him. Sire, one word, I — 

Major, (aside to him.) You're mad. 

Frederick. Not a word, or I revoke my favour. Begone 
to your home ; there is one there, your cousin Catherine, 
the affair of this night, I fancy, will need to be broken to 
her by a friendly tongue. 

Major. Poor Catherine ! poor Catherine ! 

Guslavus. Oh, torture I But, sire, permit me to pass to- 
morrow with my friend. Grant this, for heaven's sake ! 

Frederick. Ceratinly ; I seek to be just, severely so, per- 
haps. I am not inhuman enough to keep comrades from 
an adieu. Captain, let Gustavus see the prisoner when he 
pleases to-morrow, after court-martial. 

Guslavus. Thanks, sire thanks ; Major, for a few hours, 
farewell; rely on me I (aside to Major.) [Exit at d. in f. 
[King is turning from Brandt. 

Major. One favour, sire. 

Frederick. Name it quickly. 

Major. To be shot by grenadiers of the guard. 

Frederick. Granted. Captain, see to it. 

Major. One other, sire ? 

Frederick. Well? 

Major. To die in parade order ? 

Frederick. Yes, certainly ! captain; let the Major's si/>or(Z 
be restored to him after the sentence is recorded. He is a 
brave soldier, and ought to die wearing that sword he never 
drew but with honour ! (going.) 

Major. Thanks, sire, and long life ! 

Frederick. Captain, look well to your guard. You can 
leave the Major in his own quarters. 

Captain. Guard, turn out ! 

Frederick. No, no ; you forget. I have no present com- 
mand here, therefore no guard; no nonsense, no noise; 
quiet, quiet, and good niglit. (makes a hasty advance to 
the door — stops and raises his hat, looking towards Major.) 
Major, farewell I [exit, d. f. 



32 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. Heaven save you, sire. May you live to drub 
every foe you've got in the world, though I'll not live to 
help you ; for you're every inch a soldier, and a soldier's 
friend. 

Captain. Major, can I by any means serve you? 

Major. No, thank you, my dear lad; only let my bat'- 
man, Blitz, pass in betimes in the morning to call me, that 
I may make a decent toilet, and get breakfast before this 
last court-martial of mine. I always hated court-martials. 

Captain. Your servants shall have free access; rely on 
it. Major, adieu ! 

[Gives directions to sentries, and exit with Major's sword, 
at D. F. — JoDEN and the other soldier pace to and fro as 
sentries. — The Major takes off his ivig, hosts, Sfc. 

Major. This is a pretty St. Patrick's Eve ! a pretty wind 
up to the opening of a campaign! I must be writing love- 
letters, and be d d to me ! and second-hand too, — Oh, 

Miss Dalia O'Dogherty, 'tis you that have brought me to 
this ! — I can't see why a man shouldn't pass his last night 
snug and comfortable, as well as his first. That thief Biltz 
always forgets how to make my bed, though Mrs. B. knows 
well enough how I like to lie. Poor soul ! I hope she'll 
think of a shamrock for me. Yaw ! that's cosey ; good 
night, old comrade. 

Joden. Good night, Major. 

[they face about, and stand fast.. 

Major. That'll do, my lads ; walk about, but tread light. 

[The sentries resume their walk, and the Major coin- 
poscs himself to rest on the bed. 

END OF ACT II. 



ACT in. 

SCENE I. — The GeneraVs Quarter — House, 3 e. r. 
backed by distant country. — Two Dragoons on duty at door 
Grenadiers discovered standing at ease, l. with Joden, 
Blitz, and Serjeant in front. 

Serjeant. A sentence must pass of course ; but I say the 
king ought to pardon him. 

Blitz. He ought, or he'll lose the best officer of the First 
Regiment of Dragoons of the Royal Guard. What say est 
thou, Joden ? 



ST. Patrick's eve. 33 

Joden. I say the king ought not to pardon him, though 
he is the best officer of the Dragoons of the Guard. Didn't 
the Major break " The Order of the Day," and that the very 
first issued ? 

Blitz. Hardly — as well as I can make out from what 
Mrs. B. says, Mrs. B. says that — 

Joden. Pooh! Mrs. B. be d d 

Blitz. Hollo there ! 

Joden. Didn't " The Order " forbid the use of fire or 
light, on pain of death ? 

Serjeant. But would you make no allowance for an 
officer? 

Joden. O — aye — I forgot I was talking to an officer; 
ask pardon ; but don't depend too much on your rank, for 
I can tell you, that if you break one of Fritz's orders, in 
spite of your stripes, hs'll bore you as full of holes as my 
cartridge-box. [Drum. 

Enter Captain Brandt, from house, r. 

Blitz. Is he reprieved ? 

Serjeant. Is he pardoned ? 

Joden, Is he condemned ? 

Captain. He*s to be shot ; and that by the senior Grena- 
diers of the Guard. 

Joden. That's pleasant for us old ones ! Bess, my old 
lass, that bit o' lead will be the hardest mouthfiil ever cram- 
med down your throttle. However, it's well to be a fav- 
ourite at the worst of times. It's not every man would have 
the honour of his last volley from the muskets of the Grena- 
diers of Frederick's own Guard. [Drum — one ruff. 

Captain. The court's up. Guard, fall in. 

Serjeant. Guard, fall in. Order arms! Shoulder arms! 

Drum rvffs. Enter General and two Officers, and Major, 
from the house. 

Major. Now, gentlemen, au revoir ; till when, Heaven 
and Saint Patrick be with you. 

[Captain gives sword to Major. 

General. Major, your hand. I will not offi;r a brave 
man like you the insult of pity. But in making report of 
your sentence to the king, whom I shortly expect, will you 
enable me to offer one word to his majesty in extenuation 
of your fault? 



34 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. To the King ? — Not one syllable. But to your- 
self, general, let me offer the thanks of a poor Irish soldier, 
into whose heart, when once man or woman found the 
way, it never after consulted his head, when the question 
was to do them a service. 

[The General turns away, evidently affected — Blitz ad. 
vances, r. to Major, with his cloak — salutes. 

Major. Ah, Blitz ! my old boy, are you there ? Wel- 
come ! aye, put on my cloak, though it's not very cold 
either. But where the devil is Mother B., that she never 
brought me a shamrock to-day at all ? 

Blitz. Mrs. B. was in too much trouble to-day, Major, to- 
think of any such nonsense. 

Major. VVhat's that ? Is it nonsense ? The shamrock ! 
the evergreen trefoil of ould Erin; the prettiest, the most 
poetical, and most pious of national emblems, nonsense I 
Why, you heathenish dragoon, there's more meaning in — 
But there's no use expounding that which is beyond your 
limited comprehension. Present my love to Mrs, Blitz^ 
and say I'll trouble her to add to her trouble on my account^ 
by getting me the neatest bunch of shamrock she can find. 
Though 1 couldn't live by the green, I'll die by it, anyhow. 
It will serve, in my last hour, to recall to my memory the 
land of my birth. In my life I have never ceased to re- 
member it — I'll not forget it in my death ! 

[The Grenadiers /flce up the stage, on the l. and are lect 
hy the Serjeant round by r. and across in front, going off 
1 E. R., leaving room after the first six for the Major to fall 
in, the last six follow him. Blitz follows also. — Exit 
guarded, 1 e. l. 

General. This is indeed the most painful affair it ever' 
fell to my lot to preside over. To see so brave a fellow, and 
so good a soldier, sacrificed to the mere letter of an order I 
I never saw sorrow so xmiversal as it appears to be for the 
Major. 

Captain. No man in the army has more friends. How 
dreadfully excited young Captain Gustavus appeared, when 
with you in the morning. Did he not insist on an inter- 
view with Frederick ? 

General. He did, but I was too much his friend to per- 
mit it. I put him on a wrong scent, by telling him the 
king was gone te inspect Prince Henry's division. 

Captain. And thither, I suppose, Gustavus set off im-- 
mediately ? 



ST. Patrick's eve. 35 

General. On the spur. But hush, here comes his mother 
and his pretty cousin. The report is, that the young lady 
is betrothed to the poor major. 

Captain. Oh, impossible ! 

General. I had it from the king himself, who is not easily 
blinded in love or war. This will be a most painful rencon- 
tre, yet I cannot shun it. 

Enter MadamB Schonfeldt and Catherine, 2 e. r. 

Catherine. Count Gotha, they tell me you have the pow- 
er, I know you have the heart, to be merciful ; say, are 
there yet hopes of succeeding with the king ? 

General. To appeal to me, my dear young friend, in any 
case where I have command, is to succeed ; but in this, 
alas, I am powerless as yourself; my duty, however pain- 
ful the task, being only to obey. 

Madame. Oh, Gustavus, my son, my son ! why did you 
peril yourself by seeking an interview with the king ? I, 
at least, might have safely wept a way to his heart, whilst 
one hasty word from your lips may involve us all in this 
ruin. 

General. Be comforted, Madame Schonfeldt; I have sent 
your son to seek the king where I knew he was not to be 
found. I felt that, in the temper he appeared before me, I 
could offer him no greater service. 

Catherine. Gustavus will not then see the king. Oh, 
thanks, thanks ; there is yet hope. You will aid me to see 
him, general, but for a few moments. I will not long vainly 
importune him ; I feel I shall not, for my heart is breaking. 

[Dru7n. 

Officer, (without, at 2 e. r.) Guard, turn out ! The 
king! [Catherine /aZZs on her knees, 

Catherine. Thank Heaven ! then I shall be permitted to 
plead for him. I will not rise before he hears me. 

General. If you would not destroy the hope you seek to 
cherish, be advised, retire for a few moments. Pray retire, 
this way. Captain Brandt ! 

[Whispers to Brandt, who retires up with the ladies. 
Two ruff's and long roll of drum. 

Enter Frederick, 2 e. r. followed by Dr. Mouchet. 

Frederick. So, general, good morning. Any intelligence? 
All continue well with Prince Henry ? 

General. I have some reports from the Prince to lay be- 
fore your majesty, if you will please to enter the house. 
D 



36 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Frederick, (going.) Oh ! Captain Brandt, let me see one 
or two of the most intelligent of those prisoners young 
Schonfeldt brought in last night. [exit, Brandt, l. 

By the way, general, is that affair of Major O'Dogherty. 
of my guard, over ? um ! 

General, It is, sire. 

Frederick. Well ? He 

General. lie will die, one hour after sunset. 

Frederick. Oh ! Anything to say from ?- 



General. Not one word, sire. He declined my offer to 
communicate his wishes to you. 

Frederick. He did right; he would only uselessly have 
pained my feelings. He knew this, and spared me. He's a 
brave soldier. 

General. Not a braver in the guard, sire. 

Frederick. Not one ! You returned him his sword, after 
sentence ? Good. Let him die with it by his side, as ho 
wishes. Mais allons, docteur. Au revoir, count, (as he 
turns, he sees Madame Schoniteldt, kneeling.) What's 
here, eh? Madame Schonfeldt I your humble servant. Pray 
rise! What is all this? Rise, madame, and soberly tell 
me what you desire of me. 

Madame S. Pardon, sire ; pardon for the excellent 
Major I 

Frederick. Madame* Schonfeldt, you are a worthy and 
an excellent housewife. I know it, for I witnessed and be- 
nefitted by your management for three months, during 
which time I never interfered with any one of your domes- 
tic arrangements ; did I ? 

Madame S. Sire, grant my request, I am over-paid. 

Frederick. Over-paid ! I think so, with a vengeance ! if 
you, because you fed me for three months, expect to over- 
turn the discipline of my whole army. Perhaps you'd like 
to take the command ! I wish you would, and let me de- 
sert or run away, for I grow weary of it. 

Madame S. Heavenly mercy, sire, is one of your bright- 
est prerogatives ! 

Frederick. Even justice, madame, is the prerogative of 
my people. I dare not usurp it to gratify my own feelings. 

Madame S. In the sacred cause of mercy, you will in- 
cur no blame from your people ; your own heart, sire, will 
answer that. 

Frederick. I have ceased to consult my heart, or I should 
ill do my duty. I have no feelings o^ my own, where my 



ST. Patrick's eve. 37 

people's welfare, or the safety of their country, is a party. 
If I continue to shut my eyes on every breach of discipline 
what follows ? — my army becomes ineffective, is beaten, 
sinks in a spirit, continues to suffer reverses, deg-enerates 
into a disheartened mob ; all Prussia, as well as my capital, 
is over-run by my enemies ; Russian, French, Austrian, 
Cossack, and Pandour, carry murder and violation into the 
bosoms of our liomes, till the land is left a desert. In this 
ruin would you suffer, it is true ; but no curses would ring 
in your dying ears, or self born reproaches burn within, 
worse than the enemy's fire, and more enduring ; remind- 
ing you, that had your heart been consulted less, and the 
great ends of justice more, strangers would not be making 
desert the inheritance of your children ! Go, go ; return 
home, madarae ; I honour your feelings, — learn to respect 
and spare mine. Not another word! {Turning away, 
encounters Catherine, kneeling; her hands clasped, her 
eyes uplifted, in mute despair. Frederick looks at her for 
a moment.) Mais, mon cher docteur, quelle horreur I This 
utterly passes my philosophy ! 

Enter Captain Brandt, l. 

Frederick. Captain, direct the sentries to suffer no one 
to enter this house. Clear the court, even ! 

[affecting great severity. 
[General, Doctor, and Officers, exeunt, r, 

Frederick, (whispers fo Brandt.) Let the girl follow me, 
quickly and silently. Not a word ! not a word ! 

[exit in house, hastily. 

Catherine. O, sire, hear me ! O cruel, cruel I 

Captain, {to Catherine.) Follow the king quickly. — 
Hush ! 

Catherine. Ah! 

[Captain turns to the sentries— Catherine rushes into 
the house — Mechi enters 1 e. r. 

Captain, {to Sentries.) Observe ! Suffer no one to enter 
the general's quarters during his majesty's stay. Ladies, 
I must request you will retire. 

Mechi. O madame, I've just seen Captain Gustavus ride 
into the camp. Such a fright, covered with dirt, and pale 
as a ghost ! 

Madame S. We must meet, and prevent his coming 
here ; it would destroy all hope. Heaven touch the heart 
of the king with mercy. [Madame and Mechi exeunt, r. 



38 ST. Patrick's kve. 

SCENE II. — Anteroom in the GeneraVs Quarters, I g. 
Enter Frederick n. followed by Catherine. 

Frederick. Pooh, pooh ! hold your silly tongue, girl ; 
why the plague should you die ? I don't require that. 

Catherine. Ah, sire, if the major dies, Gustavus will not 
live, and his death would break both his poor mother's and 
my heart. 

Frederick. His death ! Whose death ? I thought it was 
the major you were pleading for. What the devil has his 
death to do with Gustavus Schonfeldt ? 

Catherine. No, sire, nothing; only I, I — 

Frederick. Hum ! I begin to see further into this affair. 
I suspect, (aside.) Come near ; was this nonsense designed 
for you ? [Shows the paper, 

Catherine. It was, sire. 

Frederick. Then O'Dogherty loves you ? {she bows.) and 
you love him evidently ? 

Catherine. I do indeed, kindest, bravest, best of men ! 

Frederick. You know how much I am interested in the 
welfare of every member of Madame Schonfeldt's family; 
if now I were to wink at the Major's escape, on certain 
terms 

Catherine. Oh, sire, name; and if we, if I 

Frederick. You shall make him your husband. I will 
banish him my service and the Prussian State. You will 
accompany him, and be answerable that he never returns ; 
do you agree ? You hesitate ! 

Catherine, {kneels.) Pardon, sire ! I see you know all, 
and vain is the attempt to blind you. It was for his friend 
Gustavus the Major wrote those lines, the former being 
unable to keep a promise I had forced him to make me at 
parting. 

Frederick. More fools they to break through the first 
order of the campaign, and peril their own lives to dry the 
selfisli tears of a love-sick girl ! And you too, you ought 
to have known better ; how dare you fall in love with one 
of my guai ds without my leave ? You must tell Gustavus 
that if he makes known his share of this affair, he must 
look to be included in the Major's sentence. 

[Catherine rises. 

Catherine. He will nevertheless make all known, sire be 
assured, the moment he returns. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 39 

Frederick. Returns ! Where is he gone, then ? 

Catherine. To Prince Henry's camp, sire. Finding him 
resolute to see you, I, dreading the consequences, wrote to 
the general so to mislead him, which he kindly did. 

Frederick. Ha, ha I why you're a cunning wench, egad ! 
and if Gustavus weds, he must look to you. But that's not 
my afiair ; follow me into the general's room ; there we 
can quietly consult some plan for this silly fellow's escape. 
Bat /must not appear, mind. I'll do what I can to help; 
but if your own wits do not accomplish the rest, why shot 
he must be. Come, come. 

Catherine. The world calls you severe, sire ; but, oh, how 
little does it know your heart. 

Frederick. Pish ! you're a silly child ; the world is right 
and calls me truly. The king is severe, terribly severe, 
and who shall blame the king. The world has no notion 
of the dangers which menace the state ; he knows them, 
but conceals them. When a poor old man like your king 
has to contend, single-handed, with five enemies, each more 
powerful than himself, the moral superiority of his arms 
must be maintained. It is to the force of that opinion he 
owes his safety ; it is the true foundation of his throne. 
That moral superiority he has maintained in defeat and 
victory ; and whilst he lives, he will maintain it. It pro- 
mises to him present security ; it ensures to him ultimate 
triumph over his enemies, with the respect and love of his 
people. [exit, l. 

SCENE III. — Interior of the Major's Hut, as before — 
candle lighted — bed removed — Major'' s cloak spread over the 
arm-chair on R. of table. 

Major discovered, smoking. 

Major, {sings.) Tobacco is an India weed, 6lc. 
There's a deal of morality in that little song ; though, 
often as I've sung it, it never struck me till now. To be 
sure, I don't remember ever before giving my mind to seri- 
ous things on myjlatter end. Not but I've often had a smart 
tap on the door from the same leaden messengers, but then 
they always come xmlooked for, and in hot blood, there's 
the difference. I wish old Fritz had sentenced me to be 
killed in the next action ; I'd have engaged to manage it 
by hook or by crook ! It would have been all the same to 
him, and much more agreeabl to me. 



4(J ST. Patrick's eve. 

Enter Blitz at d. f. 

than being paraded out in the cold night and stuch up 
mum-chance, like a stuffed yager, to the popped at 

Sings — Think of this, &,c. (Blitz salutes.) 

Well Blitz, is it almost sundown ? 

Blitz. I don't know, Major. I havn't seen the sun to- 
day. I wish we'd a Lapland winter, and he'd not set for 
six months; that would puzzle them. Please, major, here's 
Mrs. Blitz outside, wants to see you. 

Major. Ah, ah ! better late than never ! tell her to come 
in ; but mind, I'll countermarch her in one moment if she 
blubbers. Say so. Blitz ; I know she's a tender-hearted 
fool, and we must bully her {Sings) "Think of this," &c 

Enter Mrs. Blitz, d f. 

{Mrs. B. brings with her a small bunch of shamrock — 
comes dowHf r., striving to hide her sorrow from the Major's 
observation.) 

Mrs. B. Servant, Major. ; 

Major. Morrow, Mrs. B. ; do you trot here in the cool of 
the evening to bid me a good morning, and this the 17th of 
March, of all days in the 365? Ar'n't you ashamed of 
this neglect, after all the little attentions I've paid you for 
these twelve years ? 

Mrs. B. Ah, Major, the colour of this day is sadly 
changed. 

Major. To be sure, this will change colour ; you're not 
quite 80 rosy, as the day you coax'd me to take this scrub 
of yours for my batman. 

Mrs. B. What will become of us, now, Major ? I've of- 
ten told Blitz he did not know half the kind things you 
did for him. 

Major. Ah, well ! never mind now, Mrs. B. It's too late 
to upbraid him with his obligations ; he's an honest old fel- 
low, and I forgive him all he owes me. 

Blitz. Heaven bless your honour ! 

Major. Well, you got the bunch of shamrock for me at 
last, I see ; and why didn't you bring it to me in the morn- 
ing, and not let me go to parade half-dressed ? I felt like 
an ensign, who had lost his colours, through your forget- 
fulness. 

Mrs. B. It's the last time I'll ever forget it, Major. 

Major. Thank you, that's a comfort a y way. Give it 



ST. Patrick's eve. 41 

here to me ; let me look upon it for the last time. Why, 
Mrs Blitz, how's this ? It's wet. Pho ! nonsense ! It 
would have kept green for my time without being watered, 
you silly woman ! 

Mrs. B. I didn't know, I'm sure, Major ; if it's wetted, 
it's with my tears, I'm sure they fell like rain all the time 
I was picking it. 

Major. Oeh, fie, fie, Mrs. B. ; tears from the wife of an 
old dragoon of the guard ! You ought to be ashamed to 
own it — there, dry your eyes. 

Mrs. B. It's no use drying them. Major. 

Major. Then take them away out o' this : you're a 
foolish old woman, Mrs. Blitz. 

Blitz. She can't help it. Sir. 

Major. And you're another, making a watering-pot of 
that empty head at your time of life. To see a fellow blub- 
bering like a sucking crocodile, and every bristle on his lip 
as grey as a super-anuated badger. " There, now, good 
bye, Mrs. B.; be ofit" with you both, and don't teaze me. 

Mrs. B. Oh, Major, oh ! I shall never be worth soap for 
a days washing again. I'm quite broken — quite wrung 
up. 

Major. I wish you were wrung dry. Here, Blitz, tak« 
this : I owe you something, (offers purse) 

Blitz. No you don't Major. 

Major. Do as I bid you, Blitz. 

Mrs, B. Let him touch it if he dare '. 

Major. Mind your soap-suds, Mrs. B. Take hold of it, 
you old ass, don't I always give my stable a treat on St. 
Patrick's day ? 

Blitz. They'll have treat enough for this day. I beg 
pardon, Major, for disobeying orders ; but if I finger one 
penny of that, may I be damn'd. (goes up) 

Major. Um ! heaven knows, it's no great matter in it. 
Well, I'll put it in my pocket till by and bye ; and if the 
grenadiers do their business in a soldier-like way, and 
shoot me dead at the first fire. I'll make them a posthum- 
ous present of it, to drink my health after. 

Blitz, (at door) I see Captain Gustavus and Miss Cathe- 
rine coming this way. Major. 

Major. The devil you do I Now comes the worst part of 
this day's drill. Well, be off with ye both : and Blitz, bid 
my groom have Grey Munster at the door in field-day or- 

r — I'll like that poor horse to see the last of me. Heaven 



43 ST. PATRICK^S ETE, 

be with you, my dear Mrs. B., good bye. (Kissesher affec- 
tionately. Madame. B. raises her hands to the sides of the 
Major's head, and kisses his cheeks on both sides.) Mrs. 
B., Mrs. B., for shame — here's company coming. 

Mrs, B. Oh, Major, that I should Hve to see this. 

[Exeunt Blitz and Mrs B., at door f. 

Major, {resuming his seat and pipe.) Good old girl. It's 
well for a poor exiled soldier, far from country, kith, or 
kin, to feel that at least one honest Christian tear will be- 
dew his stranger grave. Och, when one's in real heart- 
grief and sorrow, there's no man like a woman — when 
she's sincere — and I'll answer for Mrs. B. [though I 
could't for Miss Dalia O'Dogherty. 

Enter GvsTkvvs, Madame S. and Catherine, at door. 

[Catherine wears a large cloak, fiat, and veil. Gusta- 
VU8 rushes down to Major. Catherine carefully closes the 
door, and advances with Madame S., r.] 

Gustavus. Pardon me, my friend, for not sooner seeing 
you : but though so long absent, I hare not, believe me, 
been idle. 

Major. Your hand, my dear lad; — not another word 
about it. Mum J Ah, pretty one ! you here too, in this 
black evening. This is kind. Madam, your most devoted. 
I can just ask you to sit down, ladies; but, faith, if you 
two had been three, we must have made one of my seats 
carry double. 

Cfatherine. Dear Major, this is no time to express all that 
I feel I owe to you, when I am about to pray for one added 
favour at your hands. 

Major. Never doubt me, Miss Catherine ; I'm yours for 
the remnant of my Jife — I've no duty to perform — I can 
dispose of both myself and my time as I choose— that is, 
provided always you limit my services within these four 
walls. 

Catherine. The services I require will remove you from 
their hated limits, I trust happily, and for ever. 

Major. Oh — hum I Well, Miss Catherine — as how? 

Gustavus. Look not so frowingly, O'Dogherty. Briefly, 
a plan is arranged for your escape — you must embrace 

it. 

Madame. Be not so hasty, my son ; he will, when— — 
Major. Never ! Gustavus — Madame — I have risk'd 

something to secure your regard ; and were my life now at 



ST. Patrick's eve. 43 

my own disposal, it should be again at yours. But this is 
a personal point of honour, and to no man, or woman, will 
I yield it. I never yet flinched from death in the perfor- 
mance of my duty ; — I will not now fly to avoid the pen- 
alty incurred by my neglect of it. No, my friends— ask it 
not; I am a resolved man ! [caU up band. Ring. 

Gustavus. This brave, this honourable example shall not 
be lost upon your friend. Major — yes, we will live or die 
together : and this moment I — (Going.) 

[ready muffled drum. 

Catherine (crosses to him.) Oh, Gustavus ! 

[detaining him. 

Gustavus. Yes, by my soul, I swear, we this night, com- 
rade, march in company, be it for life or death ! 

[ Throws himself on the seat, l. of table. 

Catherine, (approaching the Major, who is evidently 
much moved.) For life be it, then. Oh, for life — for life! 

(Hysterically) 

Madame. O Major ! could you kill at one blow the friend 
who loves you, the mother who emplores you, and the 
young wife who supplicates you to preserve to her the 
chosen of her heart! 

Myor. The what? — the wife! Are you then the wife 

of Pho ! I mean, has little Catherine here stolen a 

march on old Fritz ? Faith, it's well he dosn't know it ; 
he'd hang you all. 

Catherine. Ah, no ! — less cruel than you, Major. Our 
King already knows all our fault, and pardons it. 

Major. Huzza ! By my soul he got out of bed on the 
right side to-day any way ! Then leave me to die quietly, 
and there's an end. 

Catherine, Nay, more; from him emanated this plan for 
your escape. Major. 

Major. From the King ! O ! blarney ! But how am I 
to pass the guards outside, unless they promise to fall 
asleep ! And next, how get through the lines without the 
counterseign for the night ? 

Gustavus. You forget ; I have already the word for the 
day, and, with speed, we yet may have time to pass the 
lines before it is changed. Decide Major, to obey the 
King's merciful suggestion, and fly with me, or I confess 
my share in this breach of discipline, and die with yoa ! 

Catherine. Consent, dear Major ; accept the king's mer- 
cy, and no day shall pass without blessings rising to Hea. 
ven for your welfare. 



44 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. Why, my dears, if you're not deceiving me, and 
if the king really did desire that I should escape his sen- 
tence 

Catherine. By all my hopes of present life and happiness, 
I have told you the truth ! He suggested this, and his order 
gain'd us admittance here. 

Major. Any way — there's no disputing with such eyes 
as yours, my dear ! Oh, woman, woman 1 you've always 
deluded me ! — But, first and foremost, let me know how 
I'll pass the guard outside. 

Catherine. Here — ^wearing my pelisse — wearing my 
shawl and hat, my veil — all has been concerted. 

[Catherine goes to the chair r. oftahle, on which the Ma- 
jor's military cloak is spread, draws it quickly over her ; 
and puts on his hat, which lies on the table, 

Major. And a pretty concert we'll make of it ; and you — 

Catherine. Behold I I'm prepared. 

Major. For all — up to the "Present," you'd not wait for 
" Fire," I suspect. 

Madame S. Major, Major, you must argue no longer. 

Major. Do you think I'll leave this creature to stand in 

my boots at such a moment ? If I do, I'll be 

[Muffled drum heats. 

Captain Brandt enters at d. f. down l. As he opens 
door, Madame Schonfeldt and Gustavus stand between 
him and the Major, in front. 

Captain. Major, we are about to parade the guard. Have 
you any commands first ? — (addressing Catherine, who 
nods in reply. 

Gustavus. Captain Brandt- — by your favour, in one mi- 
nute more we take our leave. 

Captain. Pray command me to the utmost limit of my 
orders. [bows and exit at d. f. 

Gustavus. Now, Major, decide to act with me in this at- 
tempt at safety, or I call back Brandt, and confess to him 
our true situation. 

Major. And a pretty situation it is, and be d d to it. 

I, who've been shot at all my life, like a man, to turn wo- 
man at last. Then leaving her to personate me, is little 
better than downright suicide. However, here I am at 
your disposal — do what you will with me ladies. 

[they dress him while they speak. 



STi PATRICK S EVE. •* 

Catherine. My blessings attend you, dear Major. Now 
stoop low, and lean on your supporters* So — »so — on my 
mother. 

Major, With all my heart; but being a young lady, I'd 
naturally choose the other sex for a leaning post. So Gus- 
tavus, by your leave I think you might be more attentive, 
considering my sex and situation. — Mind jewel, show them 
what you are before you're shot. 

[Catherine sits in the chair. 

Enter Blitz, at d. f. down l. 

Blitz. Munster's ready at the door, Major. (Catherine 
nods.) They're now telling off the party. 

Madame S. Heavens ! we are too late. 

Blitz. If you wait a moment longer, Madame, there'll 
be a better light ; there're going to fire a couple of large 
torches outside there. 

Major. The devil they are ! 

[Major, sustained by Gustavus and Madame hurry off 
at door, f. 

Blitz. Mrs. B. has sent your best white handkerchief^ 
Major; it's nice and clean, and she said you'd like it better 
than a rough sash about your — yo\ir-~(wiping his eyes. 
Catherine nods, and takes it.) Poor master ! he's silent — a 
little cast down at the last moment. Ill lay a year's pay, 
quiet as he sits there, he'll die a man for all! Poor Mrs. 
B.I how she'll miss him ; he had but one fault in her eyes 
— she used to say he was such a devil amonst the women 
folk — and I remember — 

Catherine. Hem I (coughs.) 

Blitz. Did you call, Major ? Oh ! praying, perhaps. 

[Muffled drum beats. Dead march played behind scenes. 
Two Piomers enter. Muffled black-cased drums. Twelve 
Grenadiers with arms reversed, enter at door, and range on 
1.. followed by Captain Brandt. Catherine /o//s gradually 
on her knees. 

Captian. Rise, Major — let me assist to raise you. (goes 
over.) Ha I he droops, he faints ! 

Blitz. Faint I if he does I'll be d d; bring the lights 

here. 

[Catherine screams and falls senseless, discovering her- 
self by her hat falling off; at the same time Blitz looks be- 
wildered a moment, then bursts out into grotesque joy, sings, 
dances, Sfc; door opens, and Madame Schonfeldt enters^ 
— Catherine rushes to her. 



46 ST. PATR1CK*S EVE, 

Catherine. They are away, then he is safe — safe ! 
BlitZy (sings.) Quarters too hot, fol de rol, lol ! 
Off like a shot, fol de rol lol la ! 

General Gotha enters, speaking. 

General. Captain Brandt, is the Major ready ? 
Blitz, (saluting.) Not yet, General. The Major was 
never too late for parade before — first offence — hope you'll 
excuse it, tol de rol I 

General. What I an escape. Captain ? Not a word here. 
Ladies, your motives for this daring step will, I hope, ex- 
cuse you to the King, before whom I must now conduct you. 
Captain, follow with your guard to the old lodge west of the 
wood, on the left of our lines, there we shall find the king. 
Now, ladies, with your leave. [General and Ladies retire up. 
Captain B. Move forward, men — quick march. Slope 
arms ! [Grenadiers move round in front, and through door 
sloping arms as they near it. 

Blitz. Oh ho ! (seats himself.) how my sides ache, and 
my mouth's as dry as if I'd been chewing cartridge ends 
for half-a-day. What an escape ! (Sees bottle.) Ah, how 
providential ! — (Jills ) and the ladies to do it — long life to 
them. What news for Mrs. B. ! he ! he ! I must quiz her 
a little. (CaZZs.) Mrs Blitz! (JnnArs.) Mrs. B. was right; 
she always said he was a devil among the girls, and I dare 
say she knew pretty well how things went Poor soul ! 
she'll be mad with joy. Mrs. B.I — (drinks) well, it's strange, 
I found grief a pretty spongy sort of a feeling; but 'pon my 
honour, I think joy's worse ; it's a perfect sand-bag. (buwls) 
Mrs. Blitz, come out, I've good news of the Major ! That'll 
bring her out of the dark, (seats himself again, r. drinking. 
Mrs. Blitz slowly entering r. d. during the following.) I'll 
pretend to be fuddled. Poor soul, if she takes on so much 
for the Major, what would she do if anything were to hap- 
pen to me ? Oh 1 mum, here she is ; — sit down, my dear. 

[affects to be tipsy. 

Mrs. B. Why, I can't believe my eyes. Oh, the old sot ! 
Well, what's your good news of the Major ? 

Blitz. Why it's all over, my dear — take a drop, 

Mrs. B. All over ! — I can't drink it — all over ! 

Blitz. Yes, he's off! (drinks) Here's a pleasant journey 
to him, I must drink that, heigho I 

Mrs. B. The wretch ! (aside.) Give me a glass. Blitz. 

Blitz. You know, my love, you can't drink it. 

Mrs B. Never mind ; fill me a glass, I say. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 4.7 

Blitz. There's a bumper ; what will you do with it, eh ? 
he ! he ! he ! 

Mrs. B. Wash your ugly face with it (flings it in his face) 
you hypocrite, you ungrateful, unfeeling old monster ; that 
I should live to see this ! (seats herself and crying bitterly; 
Blitz laughs, and rising, approaches her.) Don't come near 
me, or I'll tear your eyes out. 

Blitz. Well, now, my poor dear wife. 

Mrs. B. Don't dear wife me! I'm no dear wife of yours, 
you brute you ! 

Blitz. Oh fie, Mrs. B., don't say that, consider my char- 
acter, if you've no regard for your own ; dont be angry with 
me, for sorrow ought to be drown'd. 

Mrs. B. You ought to be hang'd What would you say 
to me if you'd found me drunk here on the very day a good 
kind master of twelve years, died a cruel death ? 

Blitz. I should say you were a thirsty, ungrateful, mid 
dlc-aged matron. And what would you say to me, if you 
found me sober here the very hour a good kind master had 
esacped from a cruel death ; eh ? 

Mrs. B. Eh — what, Blitz ? escaped ? you don't, daren't 
jest with me ; but you said — 

Blitz. I said I'd good news, and I had ! and I said it was 
all over, and it was. 

Mrs. B. O dear, my head ; but you said — 

Blitz. I said he was off, and he is. You see, Madame 
Schonfeldt, Miss Catherine, and Captain Gustavus, were 
passed in to see the Major, by the king's order. Well, the 
Major he pull'd on Miss Catherine's gown, and walked otF ; 
Miss Catherine, she pull'd on the Major's — cloak, cloak, and 
staid behind — and — tol de rol lol. [Sings and dance*. 

Mrs. B. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Oh dear I I'm so — if you don't 
hold me I shall faint — I could take a glass of wine now ! 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! O, dear Blitz ! 

'BHtz. You'll wash my ugly face again, eh? 

Mrs. B. No ; but I'll kiss it dry, ugly as you are. 

Blitz. You must be quick then ; for I'm off directly to 
old Fritz's quarters. The General has marched the ladies 
there, to make his report; now I should like to know what 
the old king will do with them. 

Mrs. B. I'll go too; and if he touches a hair of their 
heads, I'll let him hear juy opinion of him. Blitz, do you 
think the old king can do anything to those two dear young 
ladies ? 

E 



48 



ST. PATRICK S EVE. 



Blitz. I don't think he can, if you ask mc. But only! 
think of their running- such a risk for the Major. You 
always said he was a devil amongst the womankind. 

Mrs- B, Was, and is, and always will be, I hope ; but 
come along, Blitz, let's follow and learn all. 

Blitz. One moment, touching this bottle ? 

Mrs. B. Oh, hang it, take a glass and leave the bottle. 

Blitz. Don't you think, Mrs. B., it will be as well to take 
the bottle and leave the glass. Now, Mrs, B., for the la- 
dies ;egad I begin to feel like a devil after the girls myself. 

[Exeunt R. 

SCENE IV. — A dark Wood ; old-fashioned Lodge, l. u. 
E., with Pent-house and folding doors leading to Cellar. 

Enter Gustavus and Major, r. looking hack cautiously as 
if followed. 

Gu&favus. I tell you. Major, we're too late ; the word for 
the day is changed. To pass the lines here in the face of 
the rounds would be impossible ; and it certainly was them 
we stumbled on. 

Major. But what the plague were they at, standing stock 
still in the wood, lump'd together, Ireads and tails, like the 
pigs in Pat's parlour, not to take up all the room ? They 
couldn't be the rounds. 

Gustavus. {who ha sheen listening, "R..) Hush! they come 
this way. 

Major. Then we'd best go the otherway. [Noise. 

Gustavus. How I they are dismounting I this way wc 
may observe. They are of the guard. 

Major. Now mind, captain, if once we're challenged, to 
the devil I pitch this uniform. I'll not bes-hot in petticoats 
— no offence to the ladies — so I tell you. [They retire up k. 

Enter Trenck and twelve Pandours, r. in the dress of the 
Dragoons of the Royal Guard. 

Trenck. So far, all goes well ! Oh I here is the door. , 

[Goes to the penthouse and stamps, Pierre, comes from the 
door. 

Pierre. Alcrte, Mons. Trenck ! me voici. I am already 
wis you. Messieurs les Pandours — Scrviteur. Mais qui'il 
fait froid — Sacre bleu ! 

Trenck. Is the old gentlemen ready for his ride ? 



ST. Patrick's eve. 49 

Pierre. Oui, quite prepare. Have you some horse for to 
ride — myself and le docteur? 

IVencL Three spare horses, one for your master, one for 
yourself, and one for the — 

Pierre. Oui, I kn-fW ; taisez-vous — descendons. 

Trenck. Must we enter by this underground route ? 

Pierre. Sans doute. Dis cellar come up in ze room, where 
ze old king and my master play together at echecs — dera 
we shall find him snug, eh? I have come down for some wine 
He! he! 

Ti-enck. Wine, eh? I'll present him with a dozen of real 
Hungary, that shall stir his blood hke brandy Slavitz? 
stay by the door ; suffer no one to depart or approach with 
out the v/ord '* Trenchy Lead the way, Monsieur ! lead 
the way. 

Pierre^ {Crosses to u,) I shall if you please — not — I shall 
stop with Slavitz, and help him to wash ze top of ze house. 

Trench Stay here, then ; and Slavitz, if this tellow is 
restive or noisy — you kjiow tchickl (imitating the pulling 
of a trigger,) Down lads ! quick, quick, quick ! {the men go 
into the cellar through the doors of the penthouse ) Slavitz, 
remember the word is " Trenck-'' [Exit into penthouse. 
[Major and Gustavus appear behind r. 

Gustvaus. 'Tis the Kin^ they menace ! What's to be 
(done ? 

Major. Rescue him, to be sure ! This way one moment. 

Pierre. Mais tenez — I feel somebody wis my ears. 

PIAJOR and Gustavus retreat behind the wing r. as Sla- 
vitz and Pierre turn round to look. 

Slavitz. Who goes there ? (bringing hismusk:et to there- 
cover.) Speak — {steps vp stage.) Speak, or I fire ! {another 
step, and presents as the scene closes behind him. 

SCENE Y.— A front wood. {Lamps down.) 
Enter Gustavus and Major, r, cautiously- 

Major. He sees us no longer — he has turned the corner 
of the house— his shadow's on the ground. Now I com- 
mand you to obey my order, 'tis the safest plan — avoid their 
horses, and make for the nearest of our picquets ; bring the 
men with you on the spur, till then I'll engage to amuse 
these rascals, never fear, 

Gustavus. I had better remain — you'll be overpowered, 
and perhaps both be sacrificed before I return. 



50 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. Don't prate ; give me your hat and sword ; I've 
a plan of my own to take them all prisoners — then awa3\ 
I fear that damn'd fellow will again challenge before I'm 
ready to advance to him with the word — Trend; isn't it ? 
All right, Och, I'll bother the Pandours. How surprised 
ould Friz will be to see me. 

Gustavus. You are right — I'm gone ; but be cautious. 

[Exit Gustavus, l. 

Major. Now to show myself boldy, and advance with the 
name of this Pandour in my mouth. Och, I m in luck ; 
and now at least stand a chance of dying in a natural way. 
So now for a peep, and then to show myself If I can only 
put my hand on the collar of Mr. Slavitz, I'll answer for his 
making no great deal of noise in this world. So, now's 
my time. [Exit^ r. 

SCENE LAST. — Interior of an old fashioned Game- 
keeper^s Lodge. TVophies of various sorts of game, wolf, 
elk, bear. On one side a woodjire on huge dogs. - Balus 
trade at hack, leading down stairs to cellar. A lamp near 
it, as if left by some one who has gone down. Frederick 
and Mouchet discovered playing at chess. 

Frederick. You'll out-manceuvre me again, Docteur ; 
you're the best tactician after all. 

Doctor. I claim your castle, Sire. 

Frederick. Take it. 

Doctor. The last knight — you'll be taken, Sire. 

Frederick. The sooner the better ; that monarch merits 
captivity who knows not when to die I " Forward, Sir King, 
forward .' On, boys, on !" [Singing. 

Doctor. Check, Sire. 

Frederick. Ha ! I must retreat, then : I've yet one move 
left ! only one. Trenck a7id Dragoons, having mounted 
ike stairs unobserved, now advance. 

Trenck. Not one, Sire. Your majesty's check-mated. 

Frederick, {starts into R. corner, drawing his sword.) Ha ! 
Treason ! my guard ! Pierre — Brunette, — who waits ? 

Trenck. 'Tis useless, Sire, you are my prisoner ; Permit 
me to assist you to a hat and cloak, 'tis of your own guard, 
you need not blush to wxar it. 

Frederick. I do blush to see the uniform of my guard so 
disgraced ! Baron, this is un peu trap fort. The Emperor 
cannot sanction this royal kidnapping, this assassin-like 
proceeding. 



ST. PATRICK S EVE. 



51 



Trench. Your majesty can argue that point with him m 
person, to-morrow, in Count Duan's camp, where he waits 
to welcome you. By your leave, Sire — our time is precious. 

Frederick. Scoundrels ! Touch me not — I'll hang every 
rascal of you ! Ah, Docteur ! coquin et lache que vous etes ! 
you have betrayed yoiir friend ; but I'll not submit to such a 
degradation. Baron, dead^ you may take me ; alive never ! 

Trench. Nay, then, we must constrain you. Sire. 

{Draws his sword. 

[A pistol is fired, lehind ; and a cry is heard of ''The 
Prussians ! the Prussians .'" Trenck rushes towards the 
door as the Major luns in with his sword drawn. 

Trenck. Ha ! surprised ! [Falls hack. 

Major. Baron Francis Trenck, surrender ! The house 
is surrounded by the royal guard. 

Pierre, (below.) Murder ! Murder ! 

Major. If your Majesty does not instantly show yourself, 
I can't answer for the lives of the prisoners either without 
tlie house or within. 

Frederick. Monsieur le Baron, by your leave ! 

[Crosses in front to Major. 

Major, (significantly) To the left, Sire — quick, quick ! — 

Frederick, (aside.) You, Major ! Ha ! I see — I see ! To 
the left — eh ? [Exit at door. 

Pierre, (below.) Get me up : — it is one dam ruse ! Tronck 
Docteur — dere is no Prussian. Murder ! Murder ! 

Major. Dont let him up here — Pierre rushes up the stairs 
pale and terrified.) — he'll spoil the party. Ha ! ha I 

Pierre. Oh, Monsieur Tronck, you are made of fool ! 
Dere is no one Prusse — only him — zere — he is beside him- 
self. 

Doctor. How ! What ! — no Prussian ! 

Major. You lie, rascal ! I'm not beside myself. Baron 
this fellow's not to be believed on oath. 

Trenck. Speak, rascal, coward, or I'll strangle you. Are 
we not surrounded ! 

Major. To be sure you are. Haven't / surrounded you ? 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! I'll die before I'm killed now : 

Pierre Sacre blue ! You will not understand. He is 
alone. He call out " Trenck," — den shoot pauvre Slavits, 
and roll me down the cellar. Kill him and run away wis 
me. 

Trenck. Major, is this true ? 



52 ST. Patrick's eve. 

Major. Every word of it — I give you my honour. The 
king is now out of reach : all you've to do is order in sup- 
per, and we'll enjoy ourselves till he comes back with the 
guard. Ha ! ha! ha! 

Trenck. Ten thousand devils I We must look to our 
safety alone. Major, give way. 

Major. In Ireland we never give way to any man in pas- 
sion, except a mad bull or a lady. 

Trenck. Cut him to pieces ! [Crosses to l. corner. 

Major. Ha I ha ! That's Irish — cut and come again boys. 

[Drums., trumpets, and shouts without. The King rushes 
in at door, followed by six Grenadiers, the General and 
Officers. Gustavus, enters up the stairs with six more 
Grenadiers. Tableaux 1 1 ! 

Frederick. Halt, guard ! A parley — Baron, surrender ! 

Trenck. To be hanged, or imprisoned in a dungeon, like 
my poor nephew ? Never Sire, — I'll die by my game, as 
I made it. Pandours, fire — and forward. 

[ The Dragoons present. The King advances towards 
them courageously. 

Frederick. Recover ! {The Dragoons recover.) Baron, 
you're a brave man ; this audacious attempt proves you a 
clever one. I'll do more than you granted me — I'll proffer 
terms. Take your own, and your men's lives — if in one 
minute you surrender. [Takes out his watch. 

Trenck. You're too generous. Sire, and these conditions 
too hnnonrable, to be rejected ; but I must keep faith, even 
with a scoundrel. The Docteur, Sire, must be spared. 

Frederick. Hum ! What ! Philosophy ? He shall have 
his life, 'tis not worth taking. 

Trenck. And freedom. Sire ? 

Frederick. And freedom. Baron, the minute has expired. 

Trenck. Sire, we are your prisoners. 

[Kneels, offering his sword ; at the same time Dragoons 
lay down their arms. 

Frederick. So, Baron take you sword again ; and when 
next you would secure a king, be sure he has not a move 
left : there's a grand difference between check, and check- 
mate, Baron. General, have those fair culprits brought be- 
fore me. {Exit General at door ) Remove that traitor. 
Let him be conducted to the Austrian outposts, with his 
treatise on the phisosophy of moral obligations tied about 
his neck, and himself strapped on the back of an ass. 



ST. Patrick's eve. 53 

Re-evier General, with Madame Sciionfeldt and Cathe- 
KiNE at the door. 

Frederick. So, fair ladies, you have been forcing my 
guard, I hear ; rclcjjsing prisoners, and committing other 
acts of downright rebellion ! 

Madame and Catherine. Mercy, Sire ! 

Frederick. Mercy, eh ? Gustavus Schonfcldt advance. 
Young lady, I owe' to your father my life. If I give you 
the disposal of this culprit's, which he had forfeited, I shall 
balance the account. Take him — be happy I— (Passes Gus- 
tavus and crosses to Catherine) — [aside.) or I'll contrive 
his escape. Not a word. ( They kneel and kiss the King's 
hand with excessive emotion. The Knsaputs his fingers on 
his lips, and turns to the Major. As for you Major. — 

Major Now comes my turn ! 

Frederick. I have been somewhat surprised to see you, I 
own ; but 

Major. Your Majesty would have had a greater surprise 
if you had not seen me ! 

Frederick. I am glad you are not shot, on my own account. 

Major. And, on my honour. Sire, so am I. 

Frederick. Because jour death would have been an act of 
gross injustice. / had, as I found on reflection, no right to 
issue any Order of the Day whilst Count Gotha was the 
general commanding the division. You perceive / was 
wrong — ch ? 

Major. I certainly shall not dispute the point with your 
majesty. 

Frederick. Still some punishment is your due. I there- 
fore dismiss you from your command in the Dragoons of 
the Guard. 

Major. Sire, (kneeling.) Shoot mc, ten times over, rathei ! 

Frederick. Count, you will tliis day erase the Major from 
off the muster-roll of the guard ! and at the same time add 
to my staif-list, as colonel and aide-de-camp the name of Sir 
Maurice O'Doghcrty, Knight of the Black Eagle. You will 
need the order — wear mine. 

[Attaches to the Major's hrcasL his oivn order. 

Major. If ever this order of yours is broken. Sire, it must 
be by the sabres of your enem.ies. 

Frederick. And you (addressing grenadiers.) tliat suifrr 
women to take your prisoner from under your bayonet?, you 
1 f aicy, as I'm in the forgiving mood, expect fomelh'.ng 



54 ST. Patrick's eve. 

done for you. Well, consider your reward, my sons, and 
let Joden inform me when you have resolved. 

Joden. We have already. 

Frederick. What will you have ? 

Joden. That you'll not be so rash for the future, but now 
you're getting old, keep amongst us out of harm's way. 

Frederick. Is that all ? 

Joden. Isn't that enough ? 

Frederick, (with great exultation.) I am the happiest 
king alive. 

Trenck. I no longer wonder at your victories, Sire. 

Frederick. You see, Baron, if you had succeeded, what 
a large family you would have left fatherless. Captain Brandt 
prepare to move off the guard and prisoners. Ladies, Count, 
Baron Trenck, Major O'Dogherty — 

Major. Colonel O'Dogherty, Sire, at your service. 

Frederick. True ; I forgot. Colonel O'Dogherty, I must 
not turn you away supperless. If we are short of fare, re- 
member my cook did not expect strangers to-night. In the 
mean time, if I may read the flattery of smiling faces and 
bright eyes, they are none present who do not sympatliise 
with your escape, Colone^ and mine. 

Major, Your Majesty must admit I have an additional 
claim on the sympathy of the ladies, since it was in their 
cause I erred. 

Frederick. True, Colonel, and on their influence you 
must rely to wipe away all remembrance of your errors ; 
let us hope, therefore, their smiles may prove the only 
Order of the Day ! 

[Flourish of Drums and Trumpets. Soldiers on each sidfi 
face about and march up r. and l. the characters also mov- 
ing up v^ilst the Curtain falls on Tableau. 



TIIK END. 



TURNER'S DRAMATIC LIBRARY 

OF 

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WITH ENGRAVINGS, AND PORTRAITS OF ACTORS, 
COMPRISING ALL THE MOST POPULAR 

Tragedies f — Comedies, — Operas, — Melo- Dramas 
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LIST OF PIECES ALREADY PUBLISHED. 



1 THERflSE. 

Portrait of Forrest. 

2 Dead Shot. 

3 Hamlet. 

4 Chimney Piece. 

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7 Unfinished Gentleman. 

8 GOLDEN FARMER. 

Poi'trait of Sefton 

9 John Jones. 

10 Uncle 8am. 

11 Tom Cringle. 

12 Hunting a Turtle. 

13 Provost of Bruges. 

14 Wandering Minstrel. 

15 RICHARD III. 

Portrait of Booth, 

16 Man about Town. 

17 My Uncle John. 

18 Heir at Law. 

19 The Seven Clerks. 

20 Lucille. 

21 Douglas. 

22 REVIEW. 

Portrait of Hadaway. 



23 Ion* 

24 P. P.,— Man and Tiger. 

25 Mummy, 

26 Wrecker's Daughter. 

27 Bottle Imp. 

28 Flight to America. 

29 WALLACE. 
Portrait of Conn 

30 Omnibus. 

31 Damon and Pythias. ^ 

32 Gladiator. 

33 Pickwick Club. 

34 Pizzarro. 

35 Love Chase. 

36 OTHELLO. 

Portrait of Miss Alexina Fish 

37 La Sonaambula. 

38 Lady of Lyons. 

39 Athenian Captive. 
40' Woman's Wit. 

41 The Irish Lion. 

42 The Spitfire 

43 ^ Popular Piece. 

With a Portrai 

44 St. Patrick's Eve. 



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